BY SIMONE J. SMITH

I was sitting at my desk, with a look of pure excitement on my face. I looked at the email on the screen and read it aloud. “Jamaica, here we come! Again!” I let out a hearty laugh. I still can’t believe it. Another trip to Jamaica, the land of sun, sea, and endless joy. But this time, it’s different. This time, I’m not just a tourist. I’m representing the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper, and we had been invited to experience something truly extraordinary.

Imagine this: one of the most beautiful places on earth, and one of the most luxurious hotel chains in the world. It was like a dream come true. At that point, I leaned back in my chair, a wide grin spread across your face.

In the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing firsthand experiences of RIU’s impactful work in Jamaica. You’ll get a glimpse into the remarkable offerings of RIU Aquarelle, from its luxurious accommodations to its vibrant entertainment. Together, we’ll embark on a journey to the Orthopaedic Clinic in Negril, unwind at the Ritz Cafe, savour a delectable lunch at RIU Palace Tropical Bay, explore the wonders of the Montego Bay Marine Park, connect with the passionate team at the Jamaica Tourist Board, and dance the night away at an exhilarating White Party.

Before we dive into these exciting adventures, I’d like to introduce you to the incredible travel team who will be accompanying me on this unforgettable trip: Ian Stalker, Karen Dahdah, Michael Schoenberger, Michelle Richmond, Peta-Gai Innerarity, Ronald Fanfair, Jorge Satorre (RIU Communication Team), Albert Puig (RIU Communication Director), and Janet Silvera (Jamaica PR Consultant).

What truly elevates a trip is the company you keep. I’m fortunate to say that this press trip was made exceptional by the incredible group I had the pleasure of working with. Whether we were playfully teasing each other, engaging in friendly banter, or orchestrating lighthearted pranks, the camaraderie and shared laughter were the heart of this adventure. It was the people who made this trip truly unforgettable.

Now, let’s introduce the organization that brought this incredible group together. RIU Hotels & Resorts (which has almost 100 hotels in 21 countries) is a hotel chain that was born in 1953 with a small hotel in Playa de Palma, Spain. Their more than 60 years of experience pampering their customers in the world’s best destinations attest to the mission of the company: the well-being of their guests.

RIU Hotels & Resorts is known for many things, including: its commitment to quality, its outstanding facilities in the best beach and city destinations and its wide variety of carefully prepared dining options, but above all, it is known for providing a personalized service from the heart. Their carefully designed facilities ensure that you have everything you need, and we have created a range of services to complement your stay with great food, fun and relaxation.

The company works day in and day out to continue offering the best facilities and exclusive services. All of them offer guaranteed quality and a standard of service that will make your holiday a one-of-a-kind experience. They are designed to give you the freedom to do, eat or drink whatever you want, whenever you want. Simply put, exactly how you like it.

The service at the RIU hotel was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warm smiles and efficient check-in. The staff were attentive, friendly, and always willing to go the extra mile to ensure our stay was unforgettable. The housekeeping was impeccable, the dining options were diverse and delicious, and the poolside service was prompt and courteous. The overall atmosphere was relaxed and inviting, making our vacation truly memorable.

I can’t wait to soak up the sun, feel the sand between my toes, and dive into the crystal-clear waters, but most importantly, I can’t wait to share this incredible experience with all of you. Stay tuned, folks. This is going to be one hell of a ride!

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

In a world where trust in governance is waning, it’s refreshing to see individuals who genuinely care about the well-being of their communities. While many politicians make empty promises and cater to the elite, there are those who are committed to making a real difference in people’s lives. Today, we’ll delve into the story of a man who is determined to improve the health of his nation, even as a new administration takes the reins.

On April 19^th, 2023, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. took leave from Children’s Health Defense (CHD) to run for president as a Democrat. About six months later, he switched gears to run as an independent. Then, on August 23^rd, 2024 of this year, Kennedy, the longtime Democrat, suspended his campaign — and in a move that perhaps even he didn’t see coming — he endorsed former President Donald Trump.

Through it all, Kennedy remained true to his commitment: to end the chronic disease epidemic. He never wavered. For perhaps the first time in history, Kennedy gave children a voice in a national election. He reminded everyone that children are not Democrats, or Republicans. They’re kids. They’re “Swimming around in a toxic soup, and they need our help.”

RFK’s family have been harshly critical of him and view his switch over to the Republicans as a betrayal, including when he shared the unfounded claim that COVID-19 was “Ethnically targeted.” “Bobby might share the same name as our father, but he does not share the same values, vision or judgment,” shared Rory Kennedy (the youngest of RFK Sr. and Ethel Kennedy’s 11 children) in a statement when RFK Jr. announced his intention to run as an independent presidential candidate.

Despite familial differences of opinion, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s resolute dedication to public health remains steadfast. His tireless efforts are centered on safeguarding the health of our nation’s most vulnerable citizens: our children.

With Trump’s support, Kennedy and his team launched the Make America Healthy Again campaign, where he vowed to do whatever it takes to get toxic chemicals out of our: food, our soil, our water and our air. He has also promised to take on the: FDA, CDC, HHS, NIH, NIAID, USDA, EPA, FCC — and any other federal agency that puts corporate profits ahead of public health.

Perhaps most importantly, Kennedy promised to get to the bottom of why 1 in 33 children in this country has autism. During the election, a member of Trump’s transition team — said that one of his first jobs, if Trump were elected, would be to gain access to the CDC’s vaccine safety data so his team can analyze it to determine if vaccines are as safe as the FDA and CDC say they are.

As we witness his efforts unfold, we can only hope that his actions will align with his words.

REFERENCES:

https://apnews.com/article/rfk-jr-trump-vaccines-779495533a80ba142086a9621d75a59c

https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/trump-harris-election-day-results-2024/card/u-s-food-industry-frets-over-trump-s-rfk-jr-embrace-VJx6J2SQ4w7qZz2xXHZN

https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-has-plan-make-americas-children-healthy-again-its-good-one-opinion-1957026

https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4968959-rfk-jr-trump-white-house/

https://childrenshealthdefense.org/defender_category/agency-capture/

With RFK Jr. Poised to Assume Key Role in Public Health, Kids Could Finally Have an Ally in Washington

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RFK Jr. Launches Presidential Campaign, Vows to Reduce Chronic Disease in Children

It’s Official: RFK Jr. Running for President as Independent

Breaking: RFK Jr. Suspends Presidential Campaign, Will Join Forces With Trump to ‘Save Millions of Children’

Mattawa, Ontario – This holiday season, the Mattawa community is coming together to support families facing increasing food insecurity. As the cost of living rises, more local families are relying on the Mattawa & Area Food Bank to meet their basic needs. With over 70 new households seeking assistance in just the past year, the need for support has never been more urgent.

The Second Annual Mattawa, Papineau Cameron & Surrounding Area Holiday Toy and Food Drive will take place on Saturday, December 14th, 2024, to collect food, toys, and personal care items for local families. The event, hosted by Canada Brush Control, Mattawa Good Time Cruisers, Wilsons Builders Supplies, Mattawa Lions Club, and the Mattawa & Area Food Bank, will be held at Wilson’s Builders Supplies Home Hardware, 760 John Street, Mattawa, Ontario, from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM.

A Growing Need in the Community

The Mattawa & Area Food Bank has been struggling to meet the rising demand caused by soaring inflation, high housing costs, and stagnant wages. Many families who once had enough to support themselves are now facing difficult choices between paying for food, heat, or housing. The situation has become especially dire for rural and northern communities like Mattawa, where transportation costs and geographical isolation further limit access to affordable food.

As inflation continues to impact everyday essentials, food banks across Ontario, including in Mattawa, are seeing a surge in demand. According to the Ontario Association of Food Banks, food bank usage in the province has increased by over 30% in the past year. With local families facing economic hardships, the Mattawa & Area Food Bank is relying more than ever on the generosity of the community.

How You Can Help

Donations of the following items are urgently needed:

• Personal care items: Shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shaving cream, razors, adult diapers, soap, body wash
• Non-perishable food: Canned goods, pasta, rice, baby food, and other staples
• Toys: New, unwrapped toys for children of all ages

Your donations will go directly to local families in need, ensuring that they have the resources to get through the holiday season with dignity.

Join Us on December 14th

This event is a chance for the community to come together and show support for our neighbours. Whether you’re able to donate food, toys, or personal care items, your generosity will have a direct impact on families in need. If you are unable to attend the event but would still like to contribute, early donations are welcome. Please contact:

• Canada Brush Control at 249-501-0888
• Mattawa Good Time Cruisers at 705-303-5699

A Call for Long-Term Change

While charitable efforts like the Holiday Toy and Food Drive are essential in the short term, the ongoing crisis of food insecurity calls for systemic change. Rising food costs, stagnant wages, and lack of affordable housing are structural issues that must be addressed at both the provincial and federal levels. As community members, we must advocate for policies that address the root causes of food insecurity to ensure long-term support for those in need.

A Community That Cares

The Second Annual Mattawa, Papineau Cameron & Surrounding Area Holiday Toy and Food Drive is a reminder of the resilience and compassion that defines our community. By coming together to support our neighbours, we can make this holiday season brighter for all. Together, we can make a lasting impact and show the true spirit of giving.

For more information, to volunteer, or to make a donation, please contact:

• Canada Brush Control at 249-501-0888
• Mattawa Good Time Cruisers at 705-303-5699

Thank you for your support, and we look forward to seeing you on December 14th.